The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), launched in the Union Budget 2022-23, is making significant strides in transforming the region with focused investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and tourism. Accoding to official figures initially sanctioned with an outlay of Rs 1,500 crore, the scheme now operates with a total allocation of Rs 6,600 crore for the period FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26, aiming to accelerate development in the Northeast.
As of November 30 last as many as 35 projects worth Rs 4,857.11 crore have been sanctioned under the initiative, with notable achievements in various sectors. Two key projects in Sikkim, passenger ropeway systems connecting Pelling to Sanga-Choeling and Dhapper to Bhaleydhunga, have been completed, significantly boosting eco-tourism and connectivity. The NECTAR Livelihood Improvement Project, utilizing banana pseudo-stems for value-added products, is 32% complete, while bamboo link roads in Mizoram are progressing at 28% completion, with a targeted finish in early 2025. In Tripura, a solar microgrid project to power remote areas has achieved 30% completion.
Educational and healthcare advancements are also prominent. The transformation of 20 schools into Centres of Excellence in Assam’s Kamrup district has reached 55% completion and is expected to conclude by late 2025. Construction of a 200-bed maternal and child health wing in Tripura is underway, alongside efforts to establish a State Cancer Institute in Arunachal Pradesh and a Radiation Oncology Centre in Nagaland.
Efforts to enhance road infrastructure include a four-lane road project in Shillong and the Aizawl bypass in Mizoram, which are crucial for improving regional connectivity and economic growth. However, some projects, such as the infrastructure development for Manipur Technical University and the State Cancer Institute in Itanagar, are facing delays due to logistical challenges and coordination issues.
With a typical project completion timeline of 2-3 years, PM-DevINE reflects the government’s commitment to balanced regional development. By addressing critical infrastructure gaps and fostering long-term growth, the initiative is improving living standards and creating opportunities across the Northeast.
